Entrance Examination

"Enough! You two are giving me a headache with all this arguing!"

Principal Gao Huan slapped the desk heavily, bringing their argument to an end. To be fair, he supported Dean Gao Jue's view as well, but he also had to consider the vice principal's feelings.

"Among Soul Masters, strength commands respect. How about this? We'll select an outstanding student from Elite Class Two to spar with that child. If he wins, he can enroll directly in Elite Class Two."

"I agree."

Seeing the principal speak, Gao Jue immediately voiced his agreement.

Yao Liang pondered in secret. Although this child was exceptionally talented, he was only seven years old. The oldest students in Elite Class Two were already ten, with Soul Power Levels around eighteen. Even if the child's Martial Soul was of higher quality, a gap of five levels was not something easily overcome. He promptly stated, "I agree as well!"

After the academy's higher-ups finalized their decision, Teacher Chen, who was in charge of admissions registration, returned to the meeting room. He briefly explained the situation to Xiao Yu and Miao, who were waiting inside, before adding, "If Student Xiao has any concerns, you may choose to refuse and enroll in a regular class instead. With your aptitude, entering an elite class in a year is practically guaranteed."

"Teacher, how could a Soul Master flee without fighting when faced with a challenge?"

Xiao Yu smiled faintly. One of the system's tasks was for him to become the academy's top student. Sooner or later, he would have to fight the students of this elite class anyway. The earlier he completed the task, the greater the reward. What reason did he have to avoid it?

"Good. I'll make the arrangements right away. Student Xiao, adjust your condition as well."

Teacher Chen nodded approvingly. If this child did not even dare accept such a test, he would be doing his top-tier Martial Soul a disservice.

Before long, at the Martial Arts Arena.

The Elite Class Two student who had been waiting for some time saw Xiao Yu arrive and immediately activated his Martial Soul. He said to Xiao Yu, "Chang Hao, Level Eighteen assault-type Battle Soul Master. Martial Soul: Wild Bull."

Without hesitation, Xiao Yu also used Martial Soul Possession. He cupped his hands in return and said, "Xiao Yu, Level Thirteen assault-type Battle Soul Master. Martial Soul: Underworld Apostle. Senior, please!"

"Take this!"

The moment he finished speaking, Chang Hao launched his attack with lightning speed. Under Martial Soul Possession, his already burly body swelled as muscles piled up explosively all over him. With a roar, he charged forward like an enraged bull.

Xiao Yu smiled faintly. The moment Chang Hao announced his Martial Soul, he had already guessed his opponent's fighting style and prepared his response.

Xiao Yu stood with his hands behind his back. Just as Chang Hao was about to pounce, he shifted his feet and slipped aside. His left palm struck Chang Hao's back, using his opponent's force against him. Already charging at full speed, Chang Hao could not stop himself. He stumbled and crashed heavily to the ground.

"Good kid!"

The fall had hurt, but Chang Hao's Wild Bull Martial Soul made him tough-skinned and durable. Within a few breaths, he climbed back up, dusted himself off, and grinned. "You actually made me suffer such a loss. Then I won't hold back anymore!"

As soon as he spoke, the hundred-year spirit ring on Chang Hao's body emitted a crystalline glow. Clearly, he had activated a spirit skill.

"First Spirit Skill, Brutal Charge!"

With a loud shout, Chang Hao suddenly exerted himself. His speed became astonishingly fast, as though only an afterimage remained in the air.

"Kid, my First Spirit Skill boosts my speed by ten percent. Don't even think about dodging again."

"Since I can't dodge, then let me show you my strength."

Feeling that Chang Hao had indeed become faster, Xiao Yu's eyes flashed sharply. He activated his own First Spirit Skill as well.

"First Spirit Skill, Purgatory Body Protection!"

As his spirit ring lit up, raging flames appeared around Xiao Yu. He put away his black longsword. That sword carried a trace of divine artifact power and possessed terrifying attack power. This was only a spar between students, and Xiao Yu did not want to kill anyone.

Bang!

Chang Hao charged in like a Wild Bull. With the speed boost from his spirit skill, the force of his impact had reached its peak.

Knowing he could not evade, Xiao Yu met him head-on. In an instant, the two collided. As their fists struck each other, Chang Hao, despite being of a higher level, lost control of his balance and staggered back four or five steps before steadying himself.

"How is that possible?"

In the stands, Vice Principal Yao Liang, who had carefully selected Chang Hao, blurted out, "Chang Hao's Martial Soul excels in strength, and his Soul Power is five levels higher than that kid's. Yet in a direct clash, he actually..."

"Is this the difference between a top-tier Martial Soul and other Martial Souls?"

Dean Gao Jue muttered as well.

"It's not just the difference in Martial Souls."

Gao Huan's Soul Power Level was higher, and he had taught for nearly ten years longer than his two assistants, so he saw things most clearly. "This child's Soul Power is also purer than Chang Hao's. It should be because of his cultivation method."

That was indeed the case. The Meditation Method Xiao Yu cultivated was a high-quality product provided by the system. It placed extremely high demands on the circulation, compression, accumulation, and purification of Soul Power. The strength it unleashed was far beyond what Soul Masters of the same level could match.

"A more advanced Meditation Method?"

Upon hearing this, Yao Liang's eyes lit up. He stared greedily at Xiao Yu on the Soul Duel Stage. If his grandson could obtain such a Meditation Method, might he also rise to greater heights in the future?

On the Soul Duel Stage, Xiao Yu moved as Chang Hao staggered backward. Protected by Purgatory Body Protection, he shot forward like a fireball.

Chang Hao had only just regained his footing when Xiao Yu closed in. He threw a punch. Caught off guard, Chang Hao took the blow to the chest. This time, he did not merely stagger back a few steps—his entire body flew backward, and he fell straight off the Soul Duel Stage.

"I lost!"

Chang Hao was a straightforward man. His chest still ached faintly after taking Xiao Yu's punch, but he bore no ill will toward him. He dusted himself off and admitted defeat.

"Hahaha, truly an outstanding young talent!"

Gao Huan stroked the thick beard beneath his chin and laughed. "Student Xiao Yu, congratulations on becoming a member of Elite Class Two..."

"Wait!"

Just as Gao Huan was about to announce the result, Yao Liang unexpectedly spoke up and interrupted him.

Gao Huan froze, looking at Yao Liang with displeasure.

Yao Liang naturally noticed Gao Huan's displeasure, but he did not explain himself. Instead, he leaped down and walked over to Xiao Yu on the Soul Duel Stage. His eyes gleamed as he said, "Student Xiao, I've noticed that your Soul Power cultivation method seems quite unique, more profound than ordinary Meditation Methods. I wonder if you would be willing to share it with the academy?"

"No."

Xiao Yu looked at Yao Liang as though he were an idiot. He truly did not know what was going through this man's head. Yao Liang himself had said that the cultivation method was unique, so it was obviously a secret manual that could not be casually passed on.